About Us

Third Wave BBQ isn't just a restaurant; it's a Melbourne institution built on a deep love for the art of authentic American barbecue. We are obsessed with quality, from our house-made sauces and classic sides to our signature slow-smoked meats. Our production kitchen is the engine room of our entire operation—the place where quality and consistency are born. Located in Carnegie.

The Opportunity

Our central production kitchen, located in Carnegie is expanding, and we're looking for passionate and reliable people to join our team for an immediate start. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Production Chef or a skilled cook who is eager to build a career in food production.

We're looking for individuals who thrive on process, precision, and the satisfaction of creating consistently excellent food at scale. If you have a great work ethic and a passion for quality food, we want to hear from you.

Your Key Responsibilities will include:

Food Production: Preparing and producing a wide variety of menu items according to our established recipes, including classic BBQ sides, salads, sauces, and rubs.

Batch Cooking: Executing large-batch recipes with precision to ensure consistency across all our venues.

Meat Preparation: Expertly trimming, seasoning, and handling large quantities of protein in preparation for cooking.

Cooking Processes: Operating and managing a range of commercial kitchen equipment, including combi ovens, bratt pans, and smokers.

Quality Control: Upholding our high standards by constantly monitoring food during and after production for taste, texture, and appearance.

Portioning & Packing: Portioning, packaging, and labelling finished products accurately for safe storage and distribution.

Kitchen Operations: Maintaining a clean, organised, and safe work environment, adhering to all food safety standards.

Inventory & Stock Management: Assisting with stock rotation, ordering, and inventory management.

About You - Who We're Looking For:

Experience in a professional kitchen is essential. Prior experience in a high-volume production environment is highly regarded but not a necessity for the right candidate.

A strong, genuine interest in moving into a production-focused role.

You are reliable, punctual, and have a proven track record of being a dependable team member.

You are meticulous and detail-oriented, with the ability to follow recipes and processes exactly.

Any experience or strong interest in American BBQ, low & slow cooking, or large-scale protein cookery is a bonus.

You have a positive, 'can-do' attitude and are keen to learn and develop new skills.

You must be physically fit and comfortable with manual handling, including lifting and carrying heavy boxes and trays.

You hold a current Food Handler's Certificate.

What We Offer:

A competitive salary package, negotiable based on your experience and skill level.

Full training and development. We will invest in the right person to teach them the 'Third Wave' way of production.

The opportunity to work with top-of-the-line equipment in a dedicated, modern production facility.

A stable and consistent work schedule, offering a better work-life balance than many hospitality roles.

Be a crucial part of a passionate, friendly team and a celebrated Melbourne brand.

Generous staff discounts across our venues.

Ready to Join the Team?

If you are a skilled and motivated individual ready to make your mark, we encourage you to apply.

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter detailing your kitchen experience, why you are interested in food production, and what makes you the right person to join the Third Wave BBQ team to: